The frequency and predictors of Post Colonoscopy Colorectal Cancer in a regional New Zealand setting

Aims This study aims to identify the frequency and predictors of Post Colonoscopy Colorectal Cancer (PCCRC) in a regional New Zealand population.

Methods PCCRC was defined as colorectal cancer (CRC) occurring within 36 months of colonoscopy. Data was also collected up to 60 months in line with previous definitions. CRC diagnoses over a 5-year period were identified through a regional multidisciplinary meeting data. Patient records were used to identify whether a colonoscopy had been performed within 36 or 60 months of CRC diagnosis. Demographics, indications for index colonoscopy, histology and stage of cancer at diagnosis were recorded. The index colonoscopy reports were interrogated to assess patient comfort, bowel preparation, interventions performed, distracting pathology, and specialty of endoscopist [1] [2] [3].

Results 349 patients were diagnosed with CRC in the study period. 12 and 27 had a colonoscopy performed within 36 months and 60 months respectively, giving a 36-month PCCRC rate of 3.7%; congruent with international data. All patients had adequate bowel preparation, tolerated the procedure well and underwent a complete colonoscopy. 72% of PCCRC patients had distracting pathology. Repeat colonoscopy was performed for a new indication in 41% of the 36 month PCCRC group. General Surgeons performed a majority of index colonoscopies that developed PCCRC. Māori had a proportionally higher rate of PCCRC than CRC.

Conclusions Our region has a comparable PCCRC rate to international data. Patients that develop PCCRC are more likely to have distracting pathology at index colonoscopy. PCCRC is common in patients that have a repeat colonoscopy for indications different to their index procedure.

 

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Conflicts of interest

Authors do not have any conflict of interest to disclose.

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• 2 Cooper GS, Xu F, Barnholtz Sloan JS, Schluchter MD, Koroukian SM.. Prevalence and predictors of interval colorectal cancers in medicare beneficiaries. Cancer. 2012; 118 (12) 3044-52
• 3 Singh S, Singh PP, Murad MH, Singh H, Samadder JN.. Prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of interval colorectal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology| ACG 2014; 109 (09) 1375-89

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2023